Women Aren’t Funny (Cockpit)

"All women joke about is periods and bras!"

Well, at Shakespeare North, we love a Period BRAma!  

Get ready for a glorious night of standup comedy in our Cockpit that’s here to prove one undeniable truth: women are in fact hilarious.   

Featuring a stellar lineup of the funniest female and non-binary comedians from across the North West and beyond.  

COMPERE: Kay Nicholson

Kay Nicholson is an incredibly dynamic and witty comedian making waves on the UK comedy circuit. Known for her sharp observational humour and down-to-earth style, Kay delivers performances that resonate with audiences from all walks of life. Her relatable storytelling, coupled with her infectious energy, makes her a favourite at clubs and festivals alike.

Kay’s natural stage presence and quick wit have earned her spots at some of the country’s most prestigious comedy venues, including regular appearances at Hot Water Comedy Club. A rising star with a fresh perspective, Kay Nicholson continues to charm and entertain with her unique comedic voice. She is currently starring in the UK tour of Andrea Dunbar’s hit comedy Rita, Sue and Bob Too.

“One of the best new acts I’ve ever seen” – Jamie Hutchinson

“The up & coming queen of scouse comedy” – Skiddle

OPEN: Katie Tracey

Kate Tracey is a rising star in the UK comedy scene, known for her sharp wit and engaging stage presence. She made her stand-up debut over a decade ago at Hot Water Comedy Club in Liverpool, one of the biggest comedy venues in the country, and has since evolved into a seasoned performer, now headlining shows at the very place where her journey began. Kate’s comedy is a clever blend of relatable anecdotes and bold humour, delivered with a natural confidence that keeps audiences hooked. Her growth from a first-time performer to a headline act is a testament to her talent, making her a must-see comedian on the circuit.   

MIDDLE: Anna Thomas

Winner of the BBC New Comedian of the Year, 2021
Nominated for the Sean Lock Award on Channel 4, 2023

“She has the appealing air of not quite being of this world. But whatever planet she’s from, they know funny” – Chortle

Anna Thomas is an award-winning comedian, originally hailing from Carmarthenshire, South Wales.

She wrote and starred in ‘Lady Bigfoot’, a short film that premiered on BBC One Wales, and is available on the BBC iPlayer.  

As heard and seen on ‘What Just Happened’ on BBC Radio Wales and BBC One Wales, ‘The Machynlleth Comedy Festival Showcase’ on BBC Radio Wales and BBC 4Xtra.

“Welsh starlet, Anna is the breakthrough act of the moment and highly touted for a successful career in comedy. Comparisons with fellow Welsh comic, Rhod Gilbert don’t end with their accents; Anna’s delightfully grumpy and gruff delivery leaves audiences belly laughing”– Punch Drunk Comedy

“A dotty oddball with a giddy energy… tumble of daft ideas that sweeps everyone up with her daffy charm” – Chortle

“Anna Thomas is a Welsh delight on stage” – Skiddle 

HEADLINER: Rachel Fairburn

Now based in London, and star of Live at the Apollo and Comedy Central Live, Rachel has been described by Rolling Stone as ‘very much the Rock ‘n’ Roll star of British comedy’. She has been a finalist of several prestigious competitions including Funny Women, City Life Comedian of the Year, the NATYS and English Comedian of the Year.

Rachel has been a staple of the Edinburgh Fringe since 2014, with 6 critically acclaimed solo shows under her belt and featured in the ‘40 jokes of the fringe’ by the Daily Telegraph in 2018 and ‘Best Jokes from Edinburgh Fringe 2022’ in The Times. She also featured on Chortle’s ‘One to Watch’ list in 2020 and picked up the 2019 online content award from Joe.co.uk.

She has appeared on BBC Presents: Stand Up For Live Comedy and BBC’s Funny Festival Live. Her TV credit’s include Alan Davies: As Yet Untitled, Richard Osman’s House of Games and Russell Howard Hour Life Lessons.

Rachel is also a popular podcaster, co-hosting and co-writing the worldwide smash hit podcast All Killa No Filla. With a huge international following of over a quarter of a million listeners and growing, she has taken the podcast on several sell-out UK tours and a tour of the USA. She also features in Global Original’s Ghoul Guide with Rachel Fairburn and Glad Rags with Paul McCaffrey & Rachel Fairburn.